RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: There isn’t any substitute for class and experience. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s star pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar stands as living proof. He has dazzled as their star bowler this year, and he will aim to replicate his heroics during the final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Before the upcoming match, Sachin Tendulkar praised the senior bowler for his ability to adapt and for sharpening his skills.
Bhuvneshwar has surged to become the second-highest wicket-taker this year, snaring 26 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 8. Tendulkar stressed that Bhuvaneshwar has commanded his line and lengths brilliantly this year, troubling the batters at every turn.
The star fast bowler, who last represented India during 2022, has dominated in the powerplay, and his explosive first over has fueled the Bengaluru-based franchise's control over the first six overs of the match. When Josh Hazlewood and Jacob Duffy leaked runs, Bhuvaneshwar seized the moment time and again.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Final: What Happens If RCB vs GT Is Washed Out? All Scenarios Explained
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been bowling really well this season. In the previous seasons, he had a lengthy outswinger or inswinger. He has developed a variation this season. He has been bowling as straight as possible. When you want to bowl a lengthy outswinger or inswinger, the seam has to be pointing towards the first slip or leg slip. This season, his seam has been wobbly. When there is a wobbly seam, even the batter cannot make out whether the ball would come in or go out,” Sachin Tendulkar was quoted as saying on his X account.
“That is what he has been doing. He has been very accurate. His lines have been very accurate. That has been Bhuvi's success mantra this season. Well done, Bhuvi,” he said.
Kohli lauds Bhuvneshwar
The ex-RCB skipper Virat Kohli also highlighted what sets Bhuvaneshwar apart, saying the fast bowler embraces the basics and tirelessly puts in the hard yards.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Final: RCB Pin Hopes On Josh Hazlewood's Perfect T20 Finals Legacy Against GT
“What is Bhuvi doing? He is not bowling banana inswingers, banana outswingers. He is bowling at a length that tells the guys I am good enough to hit it every time. It is the most difficult length to hit, and I am just gonna keep hitting those lengths. Are you good enough to take me on or not?” Virat Kohli was quoted as saying on RCB's podcast.
“It's simple stuff. It's repetition, it's execution, uncomplicated consistency backed with tremendous belief. That's all he is doing. Look at the results. He has six three-wicket hauls in 11 matches. That's crazy,” he said.
The Rajat Patidar-led side stands on the verge of hoisting their second trophy. Previously, they clinched their maiden title at the same stadium during IPL 2025, toppling the Punjab Kings.